Mavericks book final spot
Hertfordshire Mavericks booked their place in the FIAT Netball Superleague Grand Final after a 55-44 win over Northern Thunder.
By Lisa O'Sullvan
Last Updated: 29/05/11 12:43pm
Hertfordshire Mavericks booked their place in the 2011 FIAT Netball Superleague Grand Final after a 55-44 victory over Northern Thunder.
The decisive point of the contest came half-way through the second quarter when a rare mistake from Thunder defender Emma Dovey turned the momentum in the Mavericks' favour.
An attempted backpass from Dovey top her defensive partner Kerry Almond instead went into the hands of shooter Louisa Brownfield, who converted to take the hosts 18-16 in front.
The Mavericks then seized their chance to take control, going on to win the second quarter by seven, the third by six and at one stage in the final 15 minutes led their opponents by 19 goals.
They saw their advantage reduced slightly at the end, head coach Maggie Jackson was not happy about, but still moved into the Grand Final by the easiest route.
Quality
"The quality of the players we've got are second to none," Jackson said after the match.
"I don't think there are players like them anywhere in the country. They work really well they're a real team. I'm delighted with them."
She added: "Superleague is about developing performance and what we want to do at Hertfordshire Mavericks is make sure that every player that steps out on court aspires to improve and play for England."
Injury-hit Thunder were second best on the day and there was second string look to the team sheet due to a number of absentees.
Assistant Thunder coach Suzy Chapman said: "We knew it was going to be a tough game and they proved that, they were ready and they were meaning business. I think we matched their performance, particularly in the first half of the game."
